balletFIT teacher spotlight: samantha

1.  Tell our readers a little about yourself!  

I am a 23 year old New Year’s Eve baby who loves her family, friends, and is a complete fitness junkie! I’m always looking to try new and exciting things that will challenge me physically and mentally, which is fortunately how I ended up at DanceFIT when one of my best college friends, Evangeline, asked me to join her for the 6FIT program! I graduated from Colby College in May 2014 (I can’t believe it’s already been a year!) where I majored in Psychology/Education, played Division III college varsity ice hockey for four years, and was heavily involved in the athletic department and Relay for Life. I currently work at a PreK-12 private school outside of Boston in the Advancement Office as the Alumni Coordinator. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories, which is exactly what my job entails!

my dad and I

2.  We're so excited that you have joined our balletFIT team!  Tell our readers some of the most important things you took out of your 20 hour teacher training? 

Some of the most important things I took out of my 20 hour teacher training were various modification levels of barre and floor movements depending upon our clients’ physical abilities, injuries, pregnancies, etc. Fortunately I grew up dancing and working out, therefore providing me with a great glossary of exercises, but I believe learning the different levels of each movement was very important in being able to tailor each class towards every client’s needs—whether that be increasing the tension or lowering the impact. Another important thing I took out of my 20 hour teaching training was understanding the importance of continually talking loudly and motivating clients. When a workout is challenging, hearing phrases such as “Keep it up, you’re doing great!” and “You can do it!” can hugely impact someone’s ability to keep pushing.

3.  What is your favorite thing about teaching balletFIT?

My favorite thing about teaching balletFIT would have to be challenging clients to push to their limits and watching them grow and succeed over time. As an instructor, it is really rewarding when clients trust you and are willing to try their hardest  and get out of their comfort zone because they also believe it will pay off to either reach a mental or physical goal.

5.  What is your favorite piece of fitness inspiration or advice you would love to share?

“When you are living the best version of yourself, you inspire others to live the best versions of themselves.” From a fitness and personal stand point, this quote is inspirational and important to me for a number of reasons. First of all, I believe that it is imperative to love yourself by treating yourself with respect and self-care. The “best version of yourself” is going to look and have different meanings for every individual, but when truly taking the time to work towards being the best version of yourself, I believe you in turn have a positive effect on others.

6.  What is your FIT Style?  What do you love to workout in?  

I actually have two vastly different FIT styles depending on what I'm doing! When in the dance studio, I love working out in bright colored/crazy patterned tank tops and long capri spandex. When I am in the weight room lifting, I love working out in bright colored Nike tempo shorts and Nike dri-fit t-shirts. It’s always fun to add some color and patterns when I can!

7.  What do you love to do when you’re not on the dance floor?

When I am not on the dance floor, I love lifting weights, taking circuit training classes, as well as kickboxing with my friends--if you haven't been able to tell by now, I'm a total fitness nut! Outside of exercising, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, crafting (I am obsessed with Pinterest!), being by or on the ocean, and volunteering. Every now and then I also enjoy a day in of quality Netflix binging :)

8.  What should clients know about these classes?  Why are they so beneficial in your opinion? 

It is important for clients to know that these classes are meant to take you out of your "every day" workout comfort zone and challenge you with even the tiniest, but effective, of movements. I believe these classes are so beneficial because they focus on small, repetitive movements, while engaging the whole body, leading to lots of sculpting and toning! I also believe clients benefit from our classes because they are FUN! When you enjoy doing something, you physically and mentally get more out of it!

9.  What's on your playlist? What songs keep you motivated to get those legs burning! 

My balletFIT classes have a combination of classical ballet music, high intensity cardio music, and even some country for fun! Currently one of my favorite songs is Don't Look Down by Martin Garrix feat. Usher. I love using it in class for our cardio sequence because it has a great chorus that’s upbeat and keeps you motivated to really blast those calories! Another song always on my playlist, even though it's not a "current" song per se, is Timber by Pitbull and Ke$ha. It’s just such a fun song that I can’t help but love jumping around and singing with!

You can take Samantha's fabulous balletFIT classes this summer:

Mondays 5 PM
Wednesdays 5 PM
Fridays 6 AM
Saturdays 8 AM

AND a NEW class danceFIT bootcamp
Saturday 9 AM